After weeks of auditions, the nation's top talent headed to South Florida for what judge Simon Cowell described as "the most intense week of their lives."

Boot camp was in full swing Wednesday night, as 120 acts sang for a chance at the $5 million prize. By the end of this hour-long episode, half were sent packing.

The first step in the whittling-down process was simple enough — sing a song by yourself that you have prepared. Much like the original auditions. Only now all 120 acts are standing around listening to you, judging you as much, if not more than the celebrity judges.

HIGHLIGHTS

• 13-year-old Diamond White sang possibly the best version of Whitney Houston's "I Have Nothing" I have ever heard. The judges were very impressed.